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Welcome to a fiesta for your taste buds with these mouthwatering Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada! Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, these crispy open-faced treats are perfect for lively family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. The star of the show? Tender grilled steak marinated in zesty lime juice, a touch of garlic, and a medley of aromatic spices.
Nothing says celebration quite like the sizzle of carne asada on the grill, paired with creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and cilantro. These tostadas are not just a meal; they’re a festive experience that brings smiles to faces and joy to hearts.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, these Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada are a surefire crowd-pleaser. So gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and get ready to create lasting memories around a platter of these flavor-packed delights. Let’s dive in and savor the best of Mexican cuisine together!
Quick Benefits
- Flank or skirt steak works perfectly for absorbing the flavorful marinade, resulting in juicy, tender slices.
- Layer toppings just before serving to maintain the tostadas’ crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Using quality store-bought ingredients can save time without compromising on taste and freshness.
- Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños add a burst of classic Mexican flavors and vibrant colors to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Mexican Grilled Steak Tostadas Recipe
- Bold and Festive Flavors: The Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada offer a symphony of bold flavors and textures that will add a festive touch to any meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual lunches.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe has been tried and tested at potlucks and backyard cookouts, where it disappeared within minutes. It’s a dish that both picky eaters and food enthusiasts enjoy, making it a hit with everyone.
- Versatile Options: You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. The toppings can also be varied to suit your taste, from shredded cheese to pickled onions or your favorite salsa.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The components of this dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. The steak marinade can be made in advance, and toppings can be prepared a day ahead, ensuring a quick assembly when you’re ready to serve.
- Crispy and Juicy: The tostadas strike the perfect balance of crispy shells and juicy, flavorful steak slices. Layering the toppings just before serving ensures that the shells stay crisp, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the dish.
- Homemade with a Twist: Paying homage to Mexican culinary traditions, this recipe combines homemade carne asada with fresh, colorful toppings to create a dish that embodies the rich grilled meat and refreshing contrast found in Mexican cuisine.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a casual dinner, a game day spread, or a starter for a Mexican-themed meal, these tostadas are versatile and can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, bringing a special touch to any gathering.
Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Grilled Steak Tostadas
Carne Asada
- 60 ml olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 60 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 900 g flank steak or skirt steak
- Salt, to taste
Tostada Assembly
- 8–10 corn tostada shells
- 240 ml sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 480 ml guacamole
- 175 g fresh tomatoes, diced
- Sliced jalapeños, optional for extra heat
- 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped
Pro Tips for Authentic Mexican Grilled Steak Tostadas
For the ultimate flavor, marinate the flank or skirt steak in the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika mixture for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors. This step ensures a juicy and well-seasoned carne asada.
When assembling the tostadas, layer the toppings just before serving to maintain the crunch of the shells. Avoid using too many liquid-heavy ingredients to prevent sogginess. Opt for fresh toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños to add a burst of color and authentic Mexican flavors.
To save time without compromising on taste, feel free to use quality store-bought guacamole and sour cream. This hack allows for quick assembly while still delivering a delicious and satisfying result. Enjoy these Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada fresh for the perfect balance of crispy shells and juicy, flavorful steak bites that are sure to impress your guests.
How to Make Authentic Mexican Grilled Steak Tostadas
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place flank or skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the meat, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Carne Asada
Preheat a grill or heavy skillet over high heat. Remove steak from marinade, let excess drip off, and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until desired doneness. Rest briefly, then thinly slice the steak against the grain.
Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas
Place tostada shells on a platter. Top each shell with sliced carne asada, guacamole, sour cream or crema, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the tostadas with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Storage Tips
To store the finished Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada, it is best to keep any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently to maintain the tenderness of the meat, and assemble the tostadas just before serving for the best crunch. The tostada shells should be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag to preserve their crispness.
For meal prep, you can prepare all the toppings a day ahead of time. However, it is recommended to build each tostada right before serving to ensure the optimal combination of flavors and textures. When storing the components separately, ensure to avoid any excess liquid ingredients to prevent the shells from becoming soggy. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful tostadas for your next gathering or meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to make substitutions in this Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada recipe, consider swapping the flank or skirt steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a different protein option. Refried beans can serve as a tasty and sturdy base if you prefer a vegetarian version of these tostadas. Additionally, feel free to customize the toppings with shredded cheese, pickled red onions, or your favorite salsa to cater to your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a time-saving option, using high-quality store-bought guacamole and sour cream can streamline the preparation process without compromising on flavor. When assembling the tostadas, be mindful of avoiding excessively liquid ingredients to maintain the desired crunch of the tostada shells. Adding fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños can still provide that classic Mexican taste and vibrant touch to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun and interactive serving idea, consider setting up a DIY Tostada Bar for your next gathering. Arrange the marinated carne asada, corn tostada shells, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges in separate bowls. Let your guests build their own tostadas, customizing each one to their liking with their favorite toppings. This hands-on approach adds a playful element to mealtime and allows everyone to tailor their tostadas to their taste preferences.
For a more elegant presentation, create a Tostada Tower by layering the components in a clear glass dish. Start with a base of crispy corn tostada shells, then add a generous layer of guacamole followed by slices of juicy carne asada. Continue layering with dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños for a visually appealing and mouthwatering dish. This stacked presentation adds a touch of sophistication to the casual tostada dish, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
FAQs for Authentic Mexican Grilled Steak Tostadas
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap flank or skirt steak with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The key is to choose meats that can absorb the marinade well for juicy, flavorful results.
Can I prepare the toppings in advance?
Yes, you can prep all the toppings a day ahead to save time. However, it’s best to assemble each tostada just before serving to maintain the desired crunch of the shells.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep it tender. Tostada shells should be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag to maintain their crispness.
Can I use store-bought guacamole and sour cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using quality store-bought guacamole and sour cream saves time without compromising on flavor. Feel free to enhance them with additional fresh toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, or jalapeños for added color and taste.
Conclusion
Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada are a celebration on a plate, bringing together the vibrant flavors of Mexico in a simple yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a quick and flavorful meal, these tostadas are sure to impress. The tender grilled steak, zesty marinade, and colorful toppings all come together to create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
So, gather your loved ones around the table, stack those crispy tostadas high with all the delicious toppings, and savor each bite of these Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada. Let the flavors transport you to sunny Mexico and allow the joy of good food and good company to fill your heart. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. Bring a taste of Mexico to your table and create memories that will last a lifetime with these unforgettable tostadas.

Authentic Mexican Grilled Steak Tostadas
Ingredients
Carne Asada
- 60 ml olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 60 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 900 g flank steak or skirt steak
- Salt, to taste
Tostada Assembly
- 8–10 corn tostada shells
- 240 ml sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 480 ml guacamole
- 175 g fresh tomatoes, diced
- Sliced jalapeños, optional for extra heat
- 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until combined.
-
Marinate the Steak: Place flank or skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the meat, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.
-
Grill the Carne Asada: Preheat a grill or heavy skillet over high heat. Remove steak from marinade, let excess drip off, and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until desired doneness. Rest briefly, then thinly slice the steak against the grain.
-
Assemble the Tostadas: Place tostada shells on a platter. Top each shell with sliced carne asada, guacamole, sour cream or crema, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
-
Serve: Serve the tostadas with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.








